They had one piece and no pokemon. Retail at $12 / pack which is insane, but I just wanted to open some. Staff were super nice. read more

Gator Games & Hobby - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Mateo, California

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I've been going to Gator Games and Hobby in San Mateo for a while now, and it's been my go-to spot for card collecting. They carry a really wide selection--everything from Pokémon and sports cards to Warhammer 3000 figures and other card game essentials. It's definitely a convenient one-stop shop if you're into multiple hobbies. They also host game days, which is a nice touch. Depending on the card game, you can usually find matches going on and a community of players to connect with, which adds to the overall experience. read more

I'm not into games but my 9 year is so alas we ended up here and a few other game stores around the Bay Area. On our most recent trip I really appreciated the staffs thoughtfulness. We needed glue to put together his warhammer kit and it says online to use plastic glue. So I asked for some. Without me asking and despite me being not the warmest, they coached me to use super glue instead, explained why and told me what to do if we accidentally build the figure incorrectly after supergluing. I'm so grateful for their thoughtfulness and patience despite me probably coming across as a less cheerful customer. Highly recommend them. read more

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to check out the local game shops to chat and see what's new. This is a small storefront with a huge selection of board and card games! Arranged by box size (bigs up front, smalls toward the back) and then organized alphabetically. There wasn't much space for playing but there are other shops in the area with more tables and less selection. read more

Love this shop for board games, and also for getting into model-painting. Staff is always kind and helpful, and their prices are great!

Hard to find selections for tabletop games. Informative staff. The hole in the wall aesthetic and old strip mall vibe makes this place very comforting for me. Always gotta make a pit stop here when I'm in the area! Highly recommend for beginner and heavy board gamers alike. A Bay Area gem. read more

The staff was excellent in helping decide which mtg decks to buy. I played 15 years ago and my son was now interested in mtg. They were super helpful. read more

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This place is charging $60 for a collector booster pack of Avatar--the MSRP is $38. Walmart charges $32. Hope this place goes out of business. Price gougers. read more

Great selection of cards and a ton of options! They have a lot of things at great prices. Prices aren't overly inflated like some of the other card stores that I go to. I bought some ETBs here. Service was super nice too and the people inside were super friendly and helpful! Definitely recommend coming here, especially if you want to buy a gift or just want to play some cards. read more

I have mixed feelings about this store. At one side I want to support my LGS as I live walking distance away, but on the other hand the pricing they sell for MTG cards are way over the MSRP. I have always hated scalpers ruining hobbies in general, but it especially sucks when the LGS is selling for scalper prices. The LGS becomes the scalper. The Final Fantasy Commander precon decks sold at Gator Games for $340 for the complete set (and this is WITH the 20% discount for buying the complete set). It is already more expensive than the scalper prices being sold on TCGplayer. I was able to find the Final Fantasy commander precon whole set for $280 on Amazon the following day. While I was already expecting and willing to pay a mark up to support LGS (like 10-20% above MSRP); this felt less of supporting LGS and more like I got ripped off. $60 more than MSRP is a whole commander precon deck I could of purchased, a whole prerelease event, or 8 boosters. This has been partially my fault of course as I was excited to have them; I should of waited for the hype to die down and should of done more research before opening them, as I would of refunded after realizing how much I've been overcharged. Originally, I didn't even want to leave a review and just take the loss but this realization has let such a sour taste that I just had to vent. I was starting to get back into playing physical MTG again, but now I kind of lost some of that interest. On the plus side, the employee with the long hair was nice and answered all my questions. read more

I've dropped in a few times to check out my "Friendly Local Game Store". I am glad that there is one that is nearby. I really only play board games so this is my perspective: Pros: +I called in and made a request for a game and the store clerk put in the request and the order came in and they made multiple attempts to call me that the game was ready for pick up. Tangent: This is so much better than my experience that I've had with Game Kastle which never filled my order after 6+ months that I couldn't even get a refund anymore, only store credit - I even emailed the game publisher/designer who said that the game should have been in stock. +They have board games, card games, war games, miniature supplies, card supplies. +It's off of El Camino Real and the parking is convenient. There are some restaurants and a grocery nearby so you can do some errands on the way. +There is a gaming table where people are often playing something. I can see that there are regulars and that this location provides a space for them. Cons: (-) There is a gaming table at the front of the store surrounded by merchandise which makes it difficult and awkward to shop for games. (-) There is some organization to the games but it's kind of a mess - like shopping at Ross, but without the markdowns. There were some games that were on sale, like used games but the prices weren't spectacular. (-) While there is a gaming table, the store space is small. Unlike Game Kastle, there isn't available seating or an open gaming area. I'd like to do meet-ups, but I would never suggest meeting here unfortunately. Because the store is filled with so much stuff it feels small; it's claustrophobic. And sometimes there's a whiff of you-know-what - my husband refuses to go into the store. ...But it's the local store and they provide a service and they create a space for some people, just not as wide a range of people who would want to come here. So it hurts me to leave a 3/5 review, because I really do like supporting small businesses, but I think there is room for improvement, just maybe not literally. IE maybe they can just have a catalog out in front and the game is stored in the back and pulled out only when someone requests it, like a Service Merchandise store model - anyone remember that? As of right now, it's such a mess and so crowded, only the bravest of shoppers will spend the time shopping. read more

Super friendly staff. A friend and I wanted to pick up some items a couple minutes after closing and they happily worked it out with us. Great selection of TCG cards at an amazing value. Thanks again! read more

Gator Games & Hobby - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Mateo, California

Awesome customer service and awesome store if you are looking for hard to find yugioh booster packs they have them here! Check it out! read more

Gator Games & Hobby - Yu-gi-oh booster packs!!! - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Mateo, California

Great place to get all your TCG needs The staff is awesome and knowledgeable The prices are good The selection is great read more

They have a great selection of board games and a friendly staff. And what surprised me was that the price for the board game I bought was only about $1 more than on Amazon. And no cardboard box to re-cycle! So that made the decision to "buy local" much easier. I will definitely look here for the next game I buy. read more

Place is ok. Service is terrible here and guy behind the register is always rude. No greeting and it's always too much work to ask for help. Even if you do ask to see something, you can hear the irritated tone in his voice. The other people here are chill, but they chose the most rude and unfriendly guy to work the register. We've purchased a lot of sets here, but why spend money in a place that doesn't want your business. Never coming back. read more

I've been coming to gator games since I was in middle school and that was almost 20 years ago! I'm usually there for Pokémon cards but they have a wide selection of other playing cards like Magic or Yu-Gi-Oh and various board games, too. One thing I can count on is that if I'm looking for a popular set then I know they'll have it. But you can always call and place a preorder if you're paranoid like myself. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable so don't be shy with your questions either. On the flip side, it seems like their system is still stuck in the 90s (talk about nostalgia). I feel like with todays technological advancements they could really benefit with something a bit more sophisticated. Even a revamped website could go a long way but it seems like that's currently in the works. Either way I'm a fan of this little hobby shop and I'm proud to continue serving local business like this. read more

The service here is not great. I don't understand how only certain services are available depending on what employee is on the clock. How is this anyway to run a business? I wanted to buy some cards but I have to wait 30 mins for the correct employee to be there? Off to Game Kastle then. This store needs serious customer service training. read more

Interesting place, husband likes it to get a few stuff, paint, supplies and the games they have looks interesting and fun .

Great place and even better staff.I was there looking for some stuff for a upcoming dnd campaign and also some mintures to paint to kill some time. And they have that and more. Right now they have 20% discount on all minturers. read more

Gator Games & Hobby - Wiz kids dnd figures and raptors - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Mateo, California

Great selection! Cool sales! Nice used section. I always stop by when I'm on the peninsula.

I don't know if this is a tactic or if they are just ignorant. We called and asked if they had MTG singles, they said "yes, we have binders full of cards for modern and standard as well as boxes of singles", I asked if they had cards from sets like TSR as I'm looking for some specific cards they said "yes we do". When I got there... nothing from TSR, in fact the manager says to me, completely sold out of anything from TSR. They didn't have binders full of cards, they had/have one binder with a limited selection of MH2/MH1/Commander Legends and a second binder that is much thicker with standard stuff.... Come on guys, even your boxes of singles weren't singles, they were mystery boxes of a couple hundred cards. I'm pretty disappointed honestly, I feel a little deceived, I am just going to leave a 3 star as I don't think they are being deceptive, I think they are just very poorly trained or very new to gaming/the TCG world. Quick tip, get a fan, that store is very stuffy and hot. read more

Very helpful and friendly staff. During Covid the owner kept up with all of the safety regulations to keep me safe. I'll be back for sure. Don't buy on Amazon, support small business! read more

This review is based on the recent release to game stores for Disney Lorcana. For some reason, the store management has decided to sell the products for "market price" which is basically what items are currently selling for on eBay from Gen Con attendees several weeks ago. Gator Games has taken this privilege of receiving this highly anticipated game and exploited us gamers with ridiculously high prices. For instance, the ILumineers trove retails for $50. They are selling it for $175 because they say "that is what is currently going for on eBay." The reason the price on eBay is high is because the people at GenCon got an early release and are trying to make the money back for going to the convention. This product was released tot game stores early so that they could actually sell the product to hard-core gamers like myself before it goes to full retail at target, Walmart, Best Buy, etc. on September 1. Selling it for "market price" is basically being a scalper, and it pisses me off more than you can imagine. read more

The staff is extremely friendly, efficient, and accommodating. Customer service sets this store a bar higher than others we have been to. They have a selection of fun puzzles at a reasonable price. We will surely be back again soon and tell our friends about this hidden gem we found! read more

Gator Games & Hobby - Cool puzzles! - Hobby Shops Near Me - San Mateo, California

Knowledgeable and helpful staff have made many wonderful game recommendations to meet our family's favorite play preferences. Great local business who has also supported our public schools. read more

Pulled up in my Google search for "war games". Saw reviews that talked about strategy games. When I went there, I discovered it really had nothing to do with war games (military gaming such as games from Compass Games, GMT, or any manufacturer of military strategy games) and was just another roleplaying and generic strategy game store. Not their fault, but a waste of my time. read more

Good selection of Pokémon cards but staff, young kid, wasn't friendly and unhelpful. Couldn't even be bothered to say hi or acknowledge our presence. He couldn't even read the side of the boxes when we asked for a particular series. Not even a thank you after spending almost $100. Go to Lefty's, folks are super helpful and friendly there. read more

I mean this in the best way possible - I feel like I walked into a gaming store from the 90s. No frills but wall to wall games, cards, and collectors items. Help support this place as it truly is a place dedicated to supporting the gaming community. Great prices, they carry yu-gi-oh, and have a stellar table top selection. My main gripe is I've asked to be called for follow ups on items I was looking for but have never got a call back. Oh well, more reason to go visit I guess read more

The staff and Garrett are the best!!! Def what keeps me coming back!!! Everyone is very helpful and approachable and ready to help order something rare they may not have in stock! read more

A wonderful (and somewhat random) gem in Olympic Village. Board gaming has made a resurgence in the past few years and this place is the perfect place to get you started or whet your appetite. Gator Games has a ton of stuff for sale and super knowledgable and very friendly staff. Like visiting a book store, it's nice to just wander through the aisles and see what's on the shelves. I learned that Pandemic has an Iberian Peninsula (Go Portugal!) version during my last visit. The helpful staff makes figuring out what to check out next even easier. I hope they stick around because I can see myself dropping by every so often to check out what's new. Thanks, Gator Games! read more

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A friend recommended to check out Gator Games a few years ago and we have loved them ever since. My family has an obsession with board games and it's nice to support a local business who gives you great recommendations and advice on games to buy. They have a great selection of games but if they don't have what you want they will order it for you and give you a small discount They offer curbside during COVID which was super easy and convenient. read more

This place has all the board games and tcgs you could want! I came here because I live nearby and notice their large collection of Pokémon cards. I purchased a box and a tin and both gave very good pulls. I will definitely come back! read more

Staff is always super friendly and knowledgeable, and the owner really knows his stuff. Every time I come in for a replacement part they have the part I need and if they dont it's there the next day. They also get all the new and limited edition Traxxas models first. This is my go to hobby shop and definitely the best in town. Jace your nice and great very knowledgeable will come back here definitely read more

I've been going to gator games since I was 4 years old! It's a staple. The game selection is great, and the staff is super helpful and knowledgeable. I live in the city now and still drive down to Gator when I want to buy a game :) read more

The best store for RPGs and cards related to RPGs if we are talking along the Peninsula. Pretty good selection of hard to find materials as well as board games. Miniatures, magazines, accessories and the like, too. Extremely helpful staff. Most of them know all about the gaming subculture so they can help you A TON. I went in a couple of months ago to get a board game for my nieces who are ages 4 to 11. I had no idea what to get and there was a very helpful man who gave me a rundown of the popular children's games for that year. He actually took the time to detail each one and by that I mean 2-6 minutes apiece. People on a budget can go to the used section. If you have no idea what to get someone who is into this stuff, just ask the people working there and chances are good they know or know someone who does know. GAMING LINGO FOLLOWS 1. Lots of 3.5 D&D stuff. 2. Some WFRP. 3. Good selection of miniatures. 4. Hard to find RPGs. 5. Lots of DRAGON mags. 6. A ton of hard to find board games for adults. 7. Magic cards and their hybrids galore. 8. Small board to post if you are seeking other gamers. 9. Clearly not a place for guys to pick up girls. :) You know you were wondering. read more

"I'm sorry, is the fact that my life's falling apart interrupting your board game?" -- The Big Bang Theory, Season 7, Episode 17 What a great game shop! The staff is super friendly and knows just about everything about every board game - if I don't know what to buy, they are great at directing me to something great. Also, if they don't have something in stock, they are happy to order it for me. My nephew is a huge Munchkin fan, and this is where I go to get all the expansion sets, trinkets, etc. to expand on what he already had - again, they are great and helping me pick out the best options for him (he's 10). I typically need a chaperone to walk in this store, or I will spend my entire paycheck in just an hour wandering around the place. If you love games, this is the place to go! Play more games!! read more

Knowledgeable staff and great customer service. I came in looking for something electronic, and ended up getting great information and a new board game from the staff. Go there and you can get great recommendations on games of specific skills, action, age ranges, etc. read more

I super like this place because the staff is way knowledgeable and the store has a huge selection! What I like most is how I can ask about a particular board game and they'd most likely know a tidbit or two about it, which piques my interest more to buy the game. I came here recently for Tabletop Day and it was super cramped, which allowed only two games to be demo'd on their small table in the front. That's my only drawback with Gator. Will most definitely come back to fulfill my board game needs! read more

Been coming here since 2004 on a regular basis. They have lots of things: from board games to dice games to RPGs, table top games, miniature games, pocket games... pretty much everything non-electronic. Garrett and his staff are well versed in pretty much all genre of games: card games (MTG and other TCG and non-TCG games), tabletop games, miniature games, etc. Parking is not much of a problem, as there is a parking lot in front of the store and plenty more available around the area. Drop by and check out what they have; you won't be disappointed. read more